The National Association of Journalists of Peru (ANP) reported 25 attacks on reporters during protests on October 15 in Lima and other regions. According to the ANP’s Press Freedom Observatory, all incidents involved police officers, including 14 cases of rubber pellet shootings and 11 physical assaults.

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During the march’s dispersal, clashes between protesters and police—including officers in plainclothes—turned deadly when an officer shot and killed a demonstrator. The Ombudsman’s Office reported at least one death, over 100 injuries (including 24 protesters), and ten arrests.

Prosecutors have requested the preliminary detention of the officer who fired the fatal shot and another officer allegedly involved in the shooting.

Among the most serious cases, photojournalist Gabriel García of Ojo Público was pushed, kicked, and later struck by pellets near Congress. Antonio Melgarejo of El Comercio was hit at Parque Universitario, while independent photojournalist Juan Mandamiento suffered multiple pellet strikes, leaving him with over ten injuries.

Journalists from independent outlets such as ContraNoticia, Punto y Coma, and Mataperrea were also targeted with pellets, and crews from major TV networks Canal N and Latina Noticias faced interference in their coverage.

These are not isolated incidents. During the September 29 protests against former President Dina Boluarte, police also carried out repressive actions.

Peru’s press freedom has been deteriorating sharply. In the past three years, the country plummeted 53 places in Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index, ranking 130th in 2025, marking one of the most significant declines globally.

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